Disability and special education needs : some perennial European concerns

Abstract

In this brief paper I propose to first, offer some opening remarks including my reasons for personal involvement in this particular field of study. Secondly, I will identify some key issues relating to disability which European societies are struggling with. Finally, I will make some concluding remarks. In this paper I have been very selective over the issues I will attempt to briefly examine. Please do not see this as implying that I do not feel equally passionate about other issues such as parental participation. I do not want to give the impression that European societies have effectively engaged with these issues and all that is necessary is to emulate them. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are some key concerns that are being struggled over. Thus all European societies are open to criticism on each of these issues. Finally, educational issues, and disability is no exception, are complex, contradictory and contentious. This topic, therefore, raises the most fundamental questions and values. The process of engagement is thus both exciting and disturbing.